IndyCar is holding its first race in D.C. this weekend. Here's what to know.
Twenty-five cars traveling at top speeds approaching 180 mph will zoom around the National Mall this weekend when IndyCar takes over downtown D.C.
August 21, 2026 / 1:16 PM EDT / CBS News
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., is expected to attract about 140,000 people on each day of the weekend. The event is the first major auto race in the capital in more than 24 years.
The area around the track has been transformed over the past several weeks to make way for the construction of grandstands and enormous barriers, with large portions of the area blocked off to traffic and pedestrians. The race will disrupt several popular tourist destinations around the Mall and limit access to those with tickets to the event.
President Trump is expected to wave the green flag to kick off the race, which has been in the works for more than a year. Here's what to know about the D.C. IndyCar race:
What is IndyCar, and when is the race in D.C.?